USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician.

In Cases of Food Allergy

Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them. However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.

School food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies, but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.

Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a recognized medical authority.

The Medical Statement must include:

The child's disability;

An explanation of why the disability restricts the child's diet;

The major life activity affected by the disability;

The food(s) to be omitted from the child's diet, and the food or choice of foods that must be substituted;

Specific substitutions needed must be specified in a statement signed by a licensed physician.

If we do not receive a medical statement from a recognized medical authority, your child will receive a regular lunch tray. Medical statements completed by parents or guardians will not be accepted.

MEDICAL STATEMENT TO REQUEST SPECIAL MEALS AND/OR ACCOMMODATIONS

Students with life threatening food allergies or disabilities requiring diet modifications may have an alert posted in the cafeteria point of sale (cash register).

The school nurse at the student's school collects all special medical information including the physicians medical statement and may pass that information on to the Child Nutrition office.

If food substitutions are required, please be sure the paperwork that is returned to the school nurse lists those substitutions. Parents are asked to mark a menu for their student that will tell the cafeteria manager what items they feel are appropriate for their student to eat each day. The food labels listing the ingredients all foods purchased are available on this website to assist parents in their menu decisions.

Go to the interactive menus to view the ingredient labels and allergy information for all of our menu items.

Richardson ISD is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the accuracy of any child's diet. Products stocked by Richardson ISD can change due to supplier changes or substitutions or manufacturer's formulation changes. The information contained on the Child Nutrition Department website is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Cafeteria managers and staff are not trained in dietary modifications. Parents are welcome and advised to look at ingredient labels and recipes and make the decisions on their student’s diet. The Child Nutrition Department cannot be responsible for ensuring that a child's menu selections are free from allergens. Students with life-threatening food allergies are encouraged to bring meals from home.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

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USDA Legal Text

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.